A'ja Wilson's Heroic Shot Puts Las Vegas Aces on Brink of WNBA Title After Th...

Las Vegas, NV – A'ja Wilson delivered a dramatic game-winning shot with just 0.3 seconds left on Wednesday night, securing a 90-88 victory for the Las Vegas Aces over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the 2025 WNBA Finals. The decisive basket capped a stellar 34-point performance by Wilson and propelled the Aces to a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The win, achieved on the road at the newly-renamed Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, places the Aces just one victory away from clinching their third WNBA championship in four seasons.

The thrilling contest saw a significant comeback attempt by the Phoenix Mercury, who erased a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter. After trailing 76-59 heading into the final frame, the Mercury mounted a furious rally, with Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner leading the charge. Bonner notably tied the game at 86-all with a crucial 3-pointer and again at 88 with two free throws in the final minute, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.

With the score tied at 88 and only seconds remaining, the ball found its way to Wilson. The 6-foot-4 superstar executed a turnaround jumper over the outstretched arms of Alyssa Thomas and Bonner, silencing the home crowd as the shot rattled in.

"I just needed the bucket to go in," Wilson said after the game, adding, "I didn't see who was in front of me. I didn't care. It's the finals." Aces coach Becky Hammon echoed the sentiment, stating, "You give the ball to A'ja and get out of the way."

Beyond her game-winner, Wilson's dominant night included 14 rebounds and four assists, making it her new Finals career-high in points. Her 291 total points over 11 postseason games this year also set a new WNBA postseason record, underscoring her exceptional form throughout the playoffs. The Aces now have the opportunity to close out the series and secure another title on Friday in Game 4, which will also be held in Phoenix.

• Aces' Dominance and Historical Context: The Las Vegas Aces are on the verge of securing their third WNBA title in four seasons, a testament to their consistent excellence and the leadership of A'ja Wilson.
• This 2025 WNBA Finals marks a significant milestone as the first-ever best-of-seven showdown in league history, adding an extra layer of intensity and endurance to the championship pursuit.
• Individual Brilliance and Record-Breaking Performance: A'ja Wilson's Game 3 heroics included 34 points and 14 rebounds, marking her best Finals scoring performance to date.
• Her remarkable postseason run has seen her accumulate 291 points across 11 games, establishing a new WNBA postseason scoring record. Wilson, a four-time MVP, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and seven-time All-Star, continues to solidify her legacy as one of the league's all-time greats.
• Mercury's Resilient Comeback and Key Players: Despite the loss, the Phoenix Mercury demonstrated remarkable resilience, battling back from a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to tie the game multiple times.
• DeWanna Bonner led the Mercury with 25 points, while Satou Sabally contributed 24 points before leaving the game with an apparent head injury in the fourth quarter. Alyssa Thomas also had a strong performance with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.
• Strategic Coaching and Player Trust: Aces Coach Becky Hammon's trust in A'ja Wilson for the final shot was evident, with Hammon stating, "You give the ball to A'ja and get out of the way."
• Wilson herself acknowledged the trust, saying, "I'm appreciative that Becky trusts me in those moments." This highlights the strong player-coach relationship and strategic simplicity in high-pressure situations.
• Series Implications and Road Ahead: With a 3-0 lead, the Las Vegas Aces are now just one win away from the championship.
• Game 4 is scheduled for Friday, October 10, in Phoenix, where the Aces will aim to complete the sweep. If necessary, the series would return to Las Vegas for Game 5 on Sunday, October 12, with potential subsequent games extending until October 17.
• Team Performance and Offensive Prowess: The Aces displayed strong offensive execution throughout Game 3, including a 17-0 run in the first quarter and shooting 56% from three-point range in the first half.
• Jackie Young added 21 points and nine assists, while Jewell Loyd contributed 16 points, including four three-pointers in less than two minutes. The team's collective effort has seen them average 90 points per game in the Finals, significantly higher than their regular-season average.
• WNBA Season Landscape: The 2025 WNBA season has been marked by significant developments, including ongoing CBA negotiations.
• The Phoenix Mercury's journey to the Finals, overcoming higher-seeded teams, underscores the competitive nature of the league. The Finals format itself, a best-of-seven series, is a new addition, reflecting the league's evolving landscape.